How to Use a Play Along CD: The Best Way For Drummers to Practice on Their Own
When we first learned how to play the drums, we learned a few basic beats, and maybe a fill or two. But taking your drumming to the next level requires more.
Whether you're a beginning student just starting with drum lessons, or even an experienced drummer already working the circuit, the one thing you can never get enough of is practice.
Unfortunately, this usually requires playing with other musicians, which is not always possible with everyone's busy schedule. Another drawback is there may come a point where you've outgrown the people you play with and need more challenge to continue improving.
Worse, you can get stuck in a particular genre, or style, of music and no one takes you seriously in any other form. You're a Jazz player that wants to play Hip-Hop. A Funk player that wants to rock. Or even a country player that dreams of playing on Broadway. But because you've been labeled as a certain form, you find it difficult to break into the field. Look at Garth Brooks, for instance. The guy could write his own ticket in country music, but when he tried to come out with a rock album he was nearly booed off the stage.
Of course, the alternative is to play alone which, lets face it, can be quite tedious and boring (there are only so many times you can play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll.) Well now there is a great alternative that is both fun and does not require anyone else's participation.
Now there is a tool available called a play along CD. Lets take a look at what exactly it is, as well as how you can use it to improve your playing in any style.
A play along CD is simply a recording of a song with one or more of the instruments removed from the track. You can think of it like a Karaoke track for musicians. Just like Karaoke removes the vocals so you can sing along, play along CD's remove certain music lines, which allows you to play your part of the song.
For example, if you're a drummer, a drum practice CD contains all of the tracks except for the drums. You simply put the CD on, sit behind your kit, and keep the beat. It's a great way to practice on your own. You can even get more creative than the original drummer and play something totally unique.
Every drummer has to practice. Sure, you could get some in with a metronome and a set of sticks, but whats the fun in that? To be a great drummer, you have to be able to do more than just keep the beat. Professionals are masters of timing, meter, and feel. And to master these things, you have to play with a band, either live or with a play along CD. Do that, and you'll be the one getting all the calls for the next gig. - 18762
Whether you're a beginning student just starting with drum lessons, or even an experienced drummer already working the circuit, the one thing you can never get enough of is practice.
Unfortunately, this usually requires playing with other musicians, which is not always possible with everyone's busy schedule. Another drawback is there may come a point where you've outgrown the people you play with and need more challenge to continue improving.
Worse, you can get stuck in a particular genre, or style, of music and no one takes you seriously in any other form. You're a Jazz player that wants to play Hip-Hop. A Funk player that wants to rock. Or even a country player that dreams of playing on Broadway. But because you've been labeled as a certain form, you find it difficult to break into the field. Look at Garth Brooks, for instance. The guy could write his own ticket in country music, but when he tried to come out with a rock album he was nearly booed off the stage.
Of course, the alternative is to play alone which, lets face it, can be quite tedious and boring (there are only so many times you can play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll.) Well now there is a great alternative that is both fun and does not require anyone else's participation.
Now there is a tool available called a play along CD. Lets take a look at what exactly it is, as well as how you can use it to improve your playing in any style.
A play along CD is simply a recording of a song with one or more of the instruments removed from the track. You can think of it like a Karaoke track for musicians. Just like Karaoke removes the vocals so you can sing along, play along CD's remove certain music lines, which allows you to play your part of the song.
For example, if you're a drummer, a drum practice CD contains all of the tracks except for the drums. You simply put the CD on, sit behind your kit, and keep the beat. It's a great way to practice on your own. You can even get more creative than the original drummer and play something totally unique.
Every drummer has to practice. Sure, you could get some in with a metronome and a set of sticks, but whats the fun in that? To be a great drummer, you have to be able to do more than just keep the beat. Professionals are masters of timing, meter, and feel. And to master these things, you have to play with a band, either live or with a play along CD. Do that, and you'll be the one getting all the calls for the next gig. - 18762
About the Author:
Spencer (Spence) Strand is a professional drummer and drum instructor who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To get your free tracks from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please go to his site at DrumFun.com.
posted by X - Men at
1:35 AM
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